Analyzing the final Saints injury report vs. Bucs: Who’s in, who’s out?
The New Orleans Saints didn’t offer much clarity on their final Week 4 injury report — specifically on quarterback Derek Carr, who rested his injured throwing shoulder for the first few days of practice before participating on a limited basis Friday.
Carr is officially questionable to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but what about the other players listed on the injury report? What about the Bucs’ own injuries? Let’s consider who’s in, who’s out, and who has a chance to play on Sunday:
Out
The biggest absence may be CB Paulson Adebo (hamstring), who also missed last week’s game with the Green Bay Packers. Look for Isaac Yiadom to start again in his place opposite Marshon Lattimore.
On offense, RG Cesar Ruiz (concussion) will not be cleared to play, meaning the Saints are shaking up their interior line. James Hurst will likely start at right guard with Andrus Peat returning to the starting lineup on the left side.
But this is noteworthy: S Jordan Howden (finger) will not play after he fought through this injury to start Week 3’s road game. With Marcus Maye also unavailable (he’s in the middle of a three-game suspension), the Saints may start either Lonnie Johnson Jr. or Ugo Amadi at free safety while bringing Daniel Sorensen up from the practice squad as insurance.
Buccaneers players out this week include CB Jamel Dean (neck/shoulder), LB SirVocea Dennis (calf), DL Calijah Kancey (calf), and CB Derrick Pitts (hamstring).
Questionable
QB Derek Carr (right shoulder) is the big one. If he’s able to perform to his usual standards he’ll get the starting nod, but the Saints are prepared to start Jameis Winston instead. This may be a game-day decision.
Another situation to monitor: TE Foster Moreau (ankle). Moreau was limited in practice this week and missed the Packers game, but Jimmy Graham filled in well for him. We’ll see if he’s able to go on Sunday.
Three Buccaneers starters on defense are questionable to play: CB Carlton Davis (toe), NT Vita Vea (pectoral), and LB Devin White (foot). They each practiced on a limited basis this week.
Full
Two Saints players were given veteran rest days on Wednesday but practiced fully on Thursday and Friday: RT Ryan Ramczyk (managing a long-term knee issue) and TE Jimmy Graham (who is still getting his conditioning up to par after a year out of football). They’ll both play Sunday.
